The Chesterfield Post has previously reported on the appearance of a Falcon and a Puppy in the centre of Chesterfield HERE.

The sculptures, designed by Geoff Wood, were created as part of an initiative to promote local businesses and attract shoppers.

Today, they were officially unveiled by the Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield and Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, Cllr John Burrows (pictured below).

Sculptor Geoff told us that he was honoured to have been chosen and also revealed a history of Chesterfield not many know, "The puppy came about as we wanted to attract people into this place - there's a lovely sequence of alleys and places in here, but not enough people are aware of them. We wanted to bring some elements of history to life a little.

"The idea for the puppy came from the fact that, historically, this area was called the 'Dog Kennels' as they were back to back here and people were working on top of each other - and that was a colloquial term that people used. We wanted to turn that on its head and create a positive image - rebirth and regeneration - so the idea of a puppy came about, something emerging rather than a full grown dog.

"We wanted something to be gobsmacking - something that would make people go 'wow' and I wanted it to be incredibly accurate so you could feel it and believe it. We wanted a material that would glow at night so that when people were here at night, it would make them feel welcome.

"The material is an acrylic resin so it's crystal clear, but it catches all the light around it so it's impossible to work out what's going on. As you move, the light moves and it's a magnet for light.

"This place is tightly built and it's quite dark in here, so we wanted something that would capture that light and transmit it, something that people that people want to touch and feel.

"It took a year to make but there were other factors; planning and various design options until we got the process underway."

In his speech the Mayor, Cllr Donald Parsons (above right with the Mayoress and Designer Geoff Wood) said, "I am delighted to welcome you here today to celebrate the arrival of some new art installations into The Yards.

"As you know, the Yards is an area filled with unique and interesting speciality shops, cafes and restaurants and is a very important part of the overall offer of Chesterfield to residents and visitors alike. It is important to us that the businesses in this special area flourish so that it can continue to be Chesterfield's 'hidden gem'.

"With this in mind, Chesterfield Borough Council have been working with traders over the last two years to look at ways in which we can promote the area and encourage footfall.

"Chesterfield Borough Council has secured £250,000 grant funding from the European Regional Development Fund to enable us to undertake a programme of public art work and signage improvements, to help entice people to visit the businesses in the area and spend more time shopping and enjoying the lovely eateries. No additional Council funding has been used to install these wonderful pieces of art.

"The project has been managed by Geoff Wood of Working pArts who has worked with the local traders and the Council to develop the ideas and proposals for the art works and signage that you see today.

"I would formally like to invite you all to enter a competition which has been inspired by children that have already visited the puppy and been overheard asking what its name is.

"The traders have got together to offer a prize for naming the puppy. The local press will be promoting this competition and we hope that as many people as possible will enter. Please help yourself to an entry form which can be posted in boxes at various locations within The Yards.

"The traders will choose a name and inform the winner. The winning name will also be announced in the local press.

"We hope you will enjoy the new art installations and continue to support the businesses here in The Yards."

To enter the competition to name the puppy, run by Chesterfield Borough Council and with prizes donated by local businesses in The Yards, get yourself an entry form from any of Altered Chic, M's Gallery, No 10 Tearoom, Chesterfield Beadshop, Crazy About Cakecraft and The Gift Horse.

The closing date for entries is Sunday December 2nd.

RECENT STORIES

STEP BACK IN TIME FOR CHESTERFIELD MARKET -
Chesterfield proved yesterday that it didn't need a Tardis or Marty McFly to go back in time as it got 'groovy' at it's sixties market. More...

BRING YOUR PRODUCT TO CHESTERFIELD MARKET WITH 'FIRST PITCH' -
Young entrepreneurs in the borough have the chance to start their business thanks to Chesterfield Borough Council and the National Market Traders Federation (NMTF).More...

COUNTERFEIT MARKET TRADER HAS TO REPAY CASH -
A Derbyshire market trader who sold thousands of fake goods has been told to pay back £49,000 - or face jail. More...

CHESTERFIELD EASTER MARKET AND TABLE TOP SALE FOR BANK HOLIDAY -
There is an Open Air Easter Market and Table Top Sale on Bank Holiday Monday, April 1st 2013, from 10am to 4pm. More...

CHESTERFIELD MARKET RENTS SET FOR COMING YEAR -
Market traders and Chesterfield Borough Council have agreed a deal which will see rents on the markets increase by 1.5% More...

CHESTERFIELD MARKET'S FAVOURITE TRADER COMPETITION WINNER -
Recently, shoppers in Chesterfield were invited to vote for their 'Favourite Market Traders' in a competition which was run by Chesterfield Borough Council in the Chesterfield Market Retailer Guide. More...

A WHITE CHRISTMAS GUARANTEED IN CHESTERFIELD THIS SUNDAY... -
Chesterfield Council's Christmas lights 'Switch-On' is this Sunday, 2nd December. Thousands will line the High Street as the switch is pulled to illuminate the town. More...

SPACIOTEMPO UK CONQUER UPHILL BATTLE IN MARKET'S NEW SQUARE -
A Staffordshire supplier of temporary buildings has praised its workers after they successfully completed one of the most complicated installation jobs the company has ever attempted. More...

CHESTERFIELD MARKET STEPS BACK IN TIME -
Yesterday saw the beginning of the Chesterfield Arts and Markets Festival - three days of events designed to showcase, promote and support our local market and arts groups.More...

CHESTERFIELD ARTS & MARKET FESTIVAL STARTS TOMORROW -
Chesterfield Arts and Market Festival is a hugely successful annual initiative which has seen TV favourites, local businessmen and charity participate in order to promote the town and raise money for charity. More...

LOVE YOUR LOCAL MARKET THIS HALLOWEEN -
People are urged not to miss a trick - or treat - at North East Derbyshire's markets this Halloween! More...

MARKET HALL 'MEET THE BUYER' EVENT FOR LOCAL SUPPLIERS -
Contractor for the Market Hall refurbishment, G F Tomlinson, hold a 'Meet the Buyer' event in September 2012. More...

GRAB A BARGAIN AT CHESTERFIELD'S MARKETS -
We in Chesterfield often take it for granted but just about everything's available at the town's outdoor and indoor markets. More...

TOWN STEPS BACK IN TIME FOR MEDIEVAL MARKET -
The footfall on Chesterfield's famous cobbles could probably have been measured in the tens of thousands today as people packed the town to take part in the famous medieval market event. More...

GREEN LIGHT FOR MARKET HALL REFURBISHMENT -
Chesterfield Borough Council today announced the appointment of local construction company GF Tomlinson, to undertake the refurbishment of the Market Hall More...

ERIC PICKLES LAUNCHES NATIONAL MARKET DAY -
Communities Secretary Eric Pickles is calling on people to show their support for high street shopping by visiting their local market on National Market Day (23rd June). More...

SHOPPERS ROLL-UP TO CIRCUS THEMED MARKETS -
Shoppers have flocked to North East Derbyshire's markets to enjoy circus-themed family fun day. More...

CHESTERFIELD TAKES PART IN LOVE YOUR LOCAL MARKET CAMPAIGN -
Chesterfield is one of over 300 markets taking part in the national 'Love Your Local Market' campaign inspired by Mary Portas More...

"MY DAD WOULD HAVE BEEN PROUD" CHEESE FACTORY'S SIMON DAVIDSON -
Simon Davidson is one of the most familiar faces in town, if people don't know him, they'll undoubtedly know the shop he owns, 'The Cheese Factory' underneath the Market Hall. More...

CHESTERFIELD MARKETS GIVE A WARM WELCOME -
There's a new look in town today, as Chesterfield's outdoor market stall canopies have been given a fresh new look that reflects the 'Destination Chesterfield' branding. More...

COUNCIL ISSUES NEW TENDER FOR THE MARKET HALL REDEVELOPMENT -
Chesterfield Borough Council announces it is seeking a new construction partner for the refurb of the Market Hall, after deciding not to proceed with Wates Construction. More...

FESTIVE FUN IN NE DERBYSHIRE MARKETS -
Street entertainment, kids' activities, prizes and a range of stalls are on offer at a series of festive-themed market events which are designed to boost the local economy. More...

N E DERBYSHIRE SETS OUT IT'S STALL FOR CHRISTMAS -
Shoppers are invited to join in some festive fun - while supporting local businesses - at a series of festive-themed markets More...

FRESH NEW LOOK
FOR CHESTERFIELD MARKET -
Chesterfield Borough Council, in partnership with Destination Chesterfield, is to give a whole new look to the town's famous outdoor market stalls. More...

ICONIC MARKET HALL ALL SET FOR UPGRADE -
Chesterfield’s iconic Market Hall is now one step closer to its planned refurbishment after Chesterfield Borough Council’s approved the planning and listed building application. More...

ALL THINGS GREEN AND WONDERFUL IN CHESTERFIELD -
Chesterfield Market will be staging its first Green Fair on Saturday 24th September from 10am until 4pm. More...

GET DANCING IN CHESTERFIELD THIS SEPTEMBER -
It's strictly all for fun as Saturday 10th September sees Chesterfield's New Square Arena explode with an amazing display of dance at the annual 'Day of Dance'. More...

IN LOVING MEMORY OF CHESTERFIELD LEGEND -
Roy 'Pound A Bag Man' Davidson, one of Chesterfield and the Market's most famous faces (and voices) will be laid to rest tomorrow. More...

'MARKETING THE MARKETS' SUCCESS -
Events organised to boost the local economy and promote the markets have been a success after crowds descended on Eckington, Clay Cross and Killamarsh events.More...

MARKET FUN DAYS IN N E DERBYSHIRE -
Street entertainment, kids' activities, free raffles and a range of stalls will be on offer at a series of market events being held in North East Derbyshire this month. More...

AND THE VOTES ARE IN... -
The shoppers of Chesterfield have voted, and, in a closely fought contest, have crowned their Market Retailer of the Year. More...

CHESTERFIELD MARKET CLEANS UP -
Chesterfield market traders have signed a new agreement with Chesterfield Borough Council to work together in keeping the town's market clean and tidy. More...

MARKET RATES FROZEN -
Chesterfield Borough Council has today announced that, in recognition of their value to the town, there is to be no rent increase for the town's market stalls. More...

YOUNG PEOPLE SHOW THEIR ENTERPRISE SKILLS AT MARKET -
Despite the current financial climate, young people in Chesterfield proved that the spirit of enterprise is alive and well... More...

YOUNG ENTERPRISE TRADE FAIR AT CHESTERFIELD MARKET -
Students from local schools are preparing to take part in the North Derbyshire Young Enterprise Trade Fair on Thursday 3rd March. More...

MARKET FUN DAY A SUCCESS -
A family fun day took place at Clay Cross, one of a series of events aimed at getting local residents to love their local market. More...

LOVE YOUR LOCAL MARKET -
"They're Valuable Assets", says Cllr Pat Kerry from NE Derbyshire District Council as she encourages local people to shop at local markets in the region. More...

THE 'M' FACTOR -
Chesterfield residents are being asked to support Chesterfield in trying to prove it has the 'M' factor and in giving a boost to local traders and shoppers too More...

SUPPORT LOCAL RETAILERS THIS CHRISTMAS -Christmas shoppers in Chesterfield are being asked to shop locally and support market and local retail traders with news that we can all enjoy additional markets throughout December. More...

NE DERBYS SETS IT'S STALL OUT FOR CHRISTMAS -
Shoppers are invited to join in some festive fun while supporting local businesses, at a series of Christmas Markets being held in NE Derbyshire this year.More...

ARTS & CRAFTS MARKET ADDS BRIGHTNESS TO SWITCH ON -
A new Arts and Craft market is setting up for this year's Christmas lights switch-on event in Chesterfield. More...

LAST DAY FOR 'COTTON FOR COTTON' AT CHESTERFIELD MARKET -
Look out any old items of clothing which you no longer want and take them along to the market to be swapped for a cotton bag to encourage recycling and shopping locally and raise funds for Ashgate Hospice.More...

COUNTDOWN TO ARTS AND MARKET FESTIVAL -
Chesterfield is preparing to stage its biggest and best ever Arts and Market Festival. More...

"IT'S THE HEART OF THE TOWN!" -
That's Markets Manager Andy Bond on the Market held in Chesterfield four days a week. More...

DAY OF DANCE -
A Day Of Dance descended on Chesterfield Market on Saturday 11th September, and we have some pictures for you. More...

FOOTBALL FEVER -
Chesterfield Market Traders donned their football boots for charity and raised £250 for CLIC Sargent Cancer Charity.More...

MARKET FACES, DON HOLLINGWORTH -
To all of us living in Chesterfield Donald Hollingwood is a familiar face and voice. Ayres fruit stall would simply not be the same place without him. More...

One of the more fun events the Mayor and Mayoress have taken part in recently was the Medieval Market. The weather was great and the Town was filled with not only... More...

The open air market is at the heart of Chesterfield town centre. Taking place every Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, it's one of the biggest in the UK with over 200 stalls to fill. More...